Review
Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 28, 2014; 20(28): 9468-9475
Published online Jul 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i28.9468
Table 1 Interaction of mucus and bacteria
Effect of mucus on bacteriaEffect of bacteria on mucus
Limits the direct contact between the host and bacteriaMaintenance of the mucus layer is stimulated by bacterial fermentation products
Serves as a source of nutrients for bacterial growthMediate the expression of MUC2
Contributes to the selection of the species-specific colon floraDissolve the protective inner mucus layer
Contains several proteins that limit bacterial growth and penetration